Drop’n Beats music program gives at-risk youth a safe place to collaborate

Late last month, Drop’n Beats made its return, based out of the downtown Lethbridge facility. Jayme works alongside Music Coordinator Casey Ling, a recent University of Lethbridge graduate.

The duo said one of their goals is to create a safe place where at-risk people aged 15 to 30 can showcase their musical talents and improve their skills.

“I think a big part of it is just collaboration. A lot of people tend to work together and try to improve each other’s music because honestly, at the end of the day we all have a collective goal – to make music,” Ling told Lethbridge News Now.

Firstrider said that adding to the idea of a “safe space” for youth is the fact that they do not allow any drugs or alcohol in the secured building, and everybody who visits the facility signs in and signs out.

“We want people to come into a safe and positive environment because sometimes the music scene isn’t all that great for that, so we want to promote the safety of others and ourselves,” she told LNN.

HISTORY

Firstrider said she first started with the program when she was 12 years old. At the time, there were three artists taking part in the project, along with the original founder Damon Van Ginneken (who currently serves as an advisor to Ling and Firstrider).

She said the initial run saw the group operate out of a mobile studio, so they would have to “haul” their gear to wherever recording sessions were taking place. Artists taking part collaborated on live performances and two compilation albums that were funded by grants.

Firstrider attempted to get the program up and running again when she was 16, but her efforts were not successful. She again attempted to fully reboot the program when she was 18.

Just two months ago, her perseverance paid off and it was discovered that McMan Services had some funds leftover from other programs that went towards hiring Jayme and bringing Casey Ling on board.

Ling said it’s great being able to use his arts degree right after graduating from the University of Lethbridge.

“There’s this whole stereotype or misconception that ‘you’re never going to get a job with an arts degree’. It’s definitely more of an unconventional job than what I expected with my degree (but) it’s really nice to be able to apply those skills. It’s honestly such a great opportunity for me,” he remarked.

MAKING AN IMPACT

In addition to learning more about music production, Ling and Firstrider both said it’s been an extremely rewarding experience so far seeing participants come through the door.

They said since launching in late July, they’ve averaged about 10 youth per night.

“It’s such a rewarding experience for me. Sometimes, kids will just come in and say, ‘I want to learn from you’ and ‘I want to hear some stuff’. It’s such a great opportunity to hang out with (youth) because again, we have that collective goal of making music. Overall, it’s so rewarding…as well as seeing everyone being so friendly to each other, even though they may have just met for the first time that day. It’s just nice to know that I’m a part of that community,” Ling said.

Firstrider echoed Ling’s sentiments.

“I really love the power it comes with, like, when you see people connecting the way they do because of music and you don’t see that anywhere else. Today, it’s kind of hard to connect with people because of social norms and stuff but when it comes to music, everybody’s on the same level,” she said.

She noted that her hip-hop style meshes well with Ling’s classical background. She said it’s like “two different worlds” coming together.

“It feels fulfilling because that opportunity was given to me as a youth and now, I get to return that and give back to what was given to me as a kid. It may be a little bit different for me than it is for Casey because this program raised me and now, I’m giving back to it. It’s like a full circle thing…when I struggled with equipment (at 18) and I tried running this program and I knew nothing and we had no money to hire somebody like Casey, it was a little bit harder, but for me and Casey to come together the way we have, I’m just very thankful that we’re a team. I wouldn’t ask for anybody else to have on my side, Firstrider said.

COMMUNITY

With the duo just starting the program up again, Ling said they’re open to accepting donations from the public, including musical instruments.

“We would like to make our own booths for example or maybe get different instruments to diversify our genres. Any and all help would be appreciated,” he said.

Gear on display at Drop’n Beats (Lethbridge News Now)

Ling noted that the microphone currently in use at their facility was donated by a Lethbridge resident.

Drop’n Beats runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. However, solo recording sessions can be arranged pending Ling’s, who manages the equipment, schedule.

“We know that when it comes to music, a lot of us are a little bit shy of showcasing our stuff, especially if it’s been a while or it’s your first time, so we’re open to doing private sessions throughout the week whenever Casey’s available,” Firstrider said.

Anyone looking to set up a session can drop by the McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association at 435 5 Street South in Lethbridge or can call Drop’n Beats at (403) 715-4349.

More details and inquiries about the program can be found through the Drop’n Beats Facebook page.

by Justin Goulet

Drop’n Beats music program gives at-risk youth a safe place to collaborate

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